At Fuze Hosting, we’re passionate about making website management easier while helping clients follow best practices for online security. That’s why we’ve partnered with PatchStack to offer a powerful Vulnerability Scanner, an essential security tool for safeguarding your WordPress websites.
In this guide, we’ll explain what a Vulnerability Scanner does, why it matters, and how you can use it to strengthen your site’s protection against cyber threats.
Understanding Vulnerabilities, Threats, and Exploits
Before we dive into how the scanner works, it’s important to clarify a few key terms:
- Vulnerabilities: These are weaknesses or coding flaws in your website that attackers could exploit.
- Threats: Potential dangers, including hackers, malware, or malicious bots, that could target your site’s vulnerabilities.
- Exploits: The actual tools or techniques used by cybercriminals to take advantage of these weaknesses.
The ultimate goal is to detect and address vulnerabilities early to prevent threats from using exploits to breach your website.
What is a Vulnerability Scanner?
Powered by PatchStack, our Vulnerability Scanner is a dedicated tool that continuously monitors your WordPress sites for security flaws. It performs regular checks across your core files, themes, and plugins, instantly alerting you to any vulnerabilities it discovers.
Beyond simply identifying risks, the scanner provides clear, actionable advice to help you resolve issues quickly and effectively. Think of it as your always-on security assistant, keeping a watchful eye on your site so you can take immediate action before problems escalate.
While no system is entirely foolproof, using a reliable scanner significantly lowers your risk and aligns with our mission to empower website owners to manage and maintain secure, healthy sites.
Key Benefit: No Extra Plugins Needed
A standout feature of this scanner is that it operates independently, meaning you won’t need to install additional plugins to monitor your site for vulnerabilities. It integrates seamlessly into your WordPress hosting environment, offering efficient and hassle-free protection.
Why You Should Use a Vulnerability Scanner
One common issue we see is website owners delaying updates, assuming their sites are safe as long as nothing appears broken. This mindset can leave sites exposed to undiscovered vulnerabilities.
Our Vulnerability Scanner helps bridge that knowledge gap, keeping you informed about potential security risks. It not only raises awareness but also empowers you to proactively secure your site, often identifying vulnerabilities before they’re publicly announced and targeted by hackers.
How to Access and Use the Vulnerability Scanner
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to using the scanner on your WordPress application:
Note: This feature is available within Fuze Hosting New Interface for WordPress websites, including WooCommerce and Multisite setups.
- Log into your Fuze Hosting Platform with your credentials.
- Navigate to the Servers tab and select the server hosting your site.
- Click www
- Select your WordPress site.
- Under Application Management, choose Application Security → Vulnerability Scanner.
- You’ll see three key sections: Core, Plugins, and Themes. Each displays whether components are secure or require attention. Check the Status and Recommendation columns for guidance:
- Secure: No known vulnerabilities detected.
- Insecure: Either an update is available, or the item should be deactivated and removed.
- Use the Refresh button to perform a new scan after updates. (Note: available every 10 minutes.)
- Click View Details for a full vulnerability report provided by PatchStack for any flagged items.
Important: If vulnerabilities are found within a theme or plugin, it’s best to contact the developer directly. While we don’t fix these issues ourselves, we’re always here to support you with advice and help you manage your updates.
Additionally, you’ll receive instant notifications via email or your preferred channels if a high-severity or actively exploitable issue is detected.
Bonus Tip: Automate with SafeUpdates
For even greater peace of mind, our SafeUpdates feature automatically updates your WordPress core, plugins, and themes, handling the security housekeeping for you. This ensures vulnerabilities are patched as soon as fixes become available, giving you confidence that your site stays secure without the extra effort.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your WordPress site secure doesn’t have to be complicated. With our integrated Vulnerability Scanner, you can stay one step ahead of potential threats and maintain a strong, resilient online presence.
If you have any questions or need assistance, our support team is always ready to help via chat.
FAQs
Is the Vulnerability Scanner a malware removal tool?
No, it identifies potential vulnerabilities in your website, while malware scanners detect and remove malicious code.
Why should I use this scanner?
It provides real-time monitoring and instant alerts for vulnerabilities in your website’s core files, plugins, and themes, helping you take swift action to secure your site.
Can the scanner fix plugin or theme vulnerabilities?
No. The scanner identifies issues but doesn’t repair them. We recommend contacting the plugin or theme author for a fix. We’re happy to help you manage updates and keep your site in good shape.
How does it improve website security?
By detecting vulnerabilities early and educating users about potential risks, the scanner encourages proactive security management, reducing the chances of cyberattacks.
